Celebrating Graduation 2023

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.”          By Francis of Assisi

Graduation 2023..!

On Wednesday, November 29, the Copey Learning Center conducted its annual graduation. This event highlighted those students who successfully completed their course curriculum. I was fortunate to witness the ceremony on line and I enjoyed seeing the students representing different ages demonstrating their developed English reading and speaking skills. Below are some of the photos from the graduation.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students participated in telling stories, singing and playing, skits, and other methods of demonstrating their growth as students attending the Copey Learning Center. Their English communication skills were on full display. Clearly, the younger students are in the early stages of the English learning process while the high school age students are showing advanced development. 

Many will recognize Erick and Margarita. They were the 2023 Pathway Project participants who travelled to the USA last June. You will also recognize Catalina who is assisting with handing out certificates of completion. It was also extremely gratifying to see so many parents showing their support by attending the nearly two hour ceremony.  

   There wll be several more photos included in upcoming Posts during December.

Another Katherine Johnson Recognition 

Katherine Johnson, a West Virginia State University alumna, who made her mark on the space industry was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. She was among six individuals chosen to be inducted in 2024. She will be inducted posthumously in the fall in Washington, D.C.. 

Johnson, who passed away on February 24, 2020, at the age of 101, is a Greenbrier County native whose mathematical calculations of orbital mechanics were pivotal for NASA and the United States’ first crewed spaceflights. Johnson began her 33 years in aerospace and aviation after working as a teacher. She later went on to be employed by NASA.

Johnson, a mathematician, played a vital role in helping NASA launch flights into space, and eventually to the moon in the 1960s.

Her work and genius in the field of mathematics garnered her the title of “Woman of the 20th Century.”

Johnson is also the recipient of a Congressional gold medal and a presidential Medal of Freedom. Her story was featured in the book “Hidden Figures,” which was also made into a movie, with Johnson played by Taraji Henson.

Johnson was nominated for the Hall of Fame by the Veterans for Social Justice (VFSJ). To celebrate what would have been her 105th birthday, which fell on August 26, 2023, the VFSJ dedicated the entire year to recognizing her achievements.
Our family continues to celebrate our nation’s recognition of the contributions Aunt Katherine is credited with in support of the NASA mission during the 1960’s.
Interested readers can enjoy a more personal story about her life by obtaining your own copy of the book, “My Remarkable Journey” by Aunt Katherine. Her memoirs were written and co-authored with her two daughters, Joylette Hylick and Katherine Moore prior to her passing in 2020. 

“Don’t Miss the Joy!”

In just weeks we will celebrate the birth of Jesus. There is joy and I encourage every “Friend” to experience the joy the season brings to us all. I am very taken by the fact that we have come together to make such a positive difference in the lives of many young people living in Copey. A community is being served who do not know us personally and have no monetary means of paying us for our time, service, and resources. This is our gift to a grateful community and we can embrace the joy we experience by giving.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!  

One thought on “Celebrating Graduation 2023”

  1. Thank you, Scrapper! Your posts always make me smile. I do recognize Erick and Margarita! They are such wonderful people. I can’t wait to see what they do with their education. And I love that your aunt is now going to be in the Aviation Hall of Fame!!!!!!

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